Now Commenting On:

Olt sees things clearly in first live batting practice

2013 MLB.com Top Prospects: Mike Olt may strike out a good amount, but he'll also draw a ton of walks and has legitimate power

By Carrie Muskat
/
MLB.com |

MESA, Ariz. -- For Cubs third-base prospect Mike Olt, his first few swings on Wednesday were perfect.

Olt had struggled with vision problems, and finally got to face a pitcher instead of a coach throwing batting practice or a machine spewing balls.

"For my first at-bats in a long time, it's the best I've ever felt in Spring Training," said Olt, who faced right-hander Neil Ramirez. "I'm not even counting last year, but the year before that. I saw the ball really well."

Acquired from the Rangers in the Matt Garza deal, Olt batted .213 at Triple-A Round Rock last season, but the Cubs feel they've corrected his vision issues. He's now taking allergy medication, which has helped clear things up for him.

Wednesday was his first test against a pitcher.

"I got in the box and I wasn't sure if I was going to swing or not, but I got in there and felt comfortable and saw the ball really well, took a couple swings and I feel like I'm ahead of schedule," he said.